The Uncommon Life

International Foods Week: Tasty treats? Czech!

September 7, 2010

This week on the blog we are talking about international foods. Today’s destination? The Czech Republic!

The Czech Republic’s beautiful town of Karlovy Vary is famous for many things, including Wine Wafers – delicious, crispy cookies meant to accompany your favorite wine.  Wine Wafers go as far back as 1640, when they were introduced as a treat for the nobles and visiting upper-class.

The great thing about wine wafers is not only are they a fun, tasty and unique treat to enjoy with wine, but you can also use them to make super easy and delicious cafe and wine bar desserts. So pour yourself a big glass of wine, grab some wine wafers and let’s begin!

Celebration Torte

wine wafers

12 oz. of mixed berries
32 oz. cool whip
24 oz. sour cream
1 tsp. vanilla
6 Lemon-Vanilla Wine Wafers

Mix half of sour cream with cool whip, add more sour cream to taste.  Spread 3 tablespoons of mixture across first wafer. Put another wafer on top. Add the spread. Repeat process up to the last cookie which receives no “filling” on top. Use a spatula to spread cream evenly across top and sides. Refrigerate at least 6 hours before decorating top with fruit of your choice. Serve with tea, coffee or white wine.

Pischinger Torte

wine wafers

This is the most popular dessert in Viennese Cafe’s!

1 cup hazelnuts (or almonds)
3/4 cup warm whipping cream
1 lb. good milk chocolate
6 Mocha-Chocolate Wine Wafers

Toast nuts in 300F oven for half hour. Cool and grind fine. Melt chocolate bar in a double boiler (I just melted it in a saucepan – and I think it turned out pretty good!). Reserve 1 half cup for the topping (keep warm). Mix whipping cream, ground nuts, and melted chocolate. Spread 3 tablespoons of mixture across first wafer. Put another wafer on top. Add the spread. Repeat process up to the last cookie which receives no “filling” on top. Refrigerate for 1 hour. Pour reserved chocolate across top of cooled torte. Use a spatula to spread evenly across top and sides. Allow topping to harden at room temperature for a glossy sheen. Decorate with ground nuts or sliced almonds. Ready to serve next day.

Mascarpone De Light

wine wafers

Great idea for afternoon coffee or tea!

8 oz Mascarpone Cheese (or whip cream if you prefer)
3 cups of fresh raspberries
6 Lemon-Vanilla Wine Wafers or Raspberry Almond Wafers

Cut Wafers into wedges using a long knife. (8 from each wafer). Place fresh raspberries in a bowl. Same with Mascarpone. Layer cut wafers on serving plate. Decorate raspberries with fresh mint. Have your guests serve themselves. Using small knife, add little of the Mascarpone Cheese. Add single raspberry on top and take a bite. Served with chilled Riesling, hot tea or coffee.

No Comments

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.